PARISH MEETING.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 7 June 1924, Page 5

PARISH MEETING.

OTAIO AND BLTJEGLnrFS. . The annual meeting of the Parish of Otaio and Biueciiffs, was held on Friday last, in the Parish Hall, St Andrews. There was a good attendance or parishioneds. Mr Stowell, churohwarden, presented the report and balance sheet for the year, ended 31st March, 1924. The balance sheet showed a credit oi over £SO, and after some outstanding charges had been paid there would remain a credit of £2O. This gratifying result was due mainly to the aystematic canvassing for yearly subsoriptions to the churoh funds, and the completed canvass of the whole district is expected to show a further advance in the amount promised and subscribed. Both the ordinary and special collections had increased over those of the last year, but the contributions towards the mission work of the church could be increased _ mater ially. The mission boxes which are being distributed throughout the parish, should help greatly in raising the quota towards the board of missions for the ensuing year. The parish loan has been reduced, thanks to the generosity of the Ladies’ Guild, which has also undertaken the asphalting of the church paths. The vicar’s report showed that the church services were held regularly throughout the widely extended district and on the whole were well attended, but the number of communicants should be much greater than it is. Sunday school work is being carried on at St. Andrews, Springbrook, and St. Mary’s, and all praise is due to the helpers in this most important labour. A Girls’ Guild is now in full working order, its object being to provide garments for the babies in the babies’ home, Sumner ( the latest addition to the Diocesan institutions. The retiring wardens and vestry were re-elected, and Messrs H. El worthy and H. B. S. Johnstone, re- > elected delegates to the archdiaconal conference. A vote of sympathy was passed to Mr J. Arden, Bishop’s Warden, who was unable to attend through illness, The usual votes of thanks were passed to the organists, Sunday School teachers, Ladies’ Guild, Chancel Guild, the ladies who attend to the flowers in the sanctuary and Mr H. ! H. Eraser (hon. auditor). • After some general discussion on church matters, the formal business meeting was closed, and light refreshments handed round by the ladies. A short programme was then prooeeded with to the satisfaction of all pre- ] sent, items being given by Mrs j Foxon. Mrs Palmer, Mr Palmer and f the Vicar. ; jj The National Anthem and Anld . f Lang Sync brought a pleasant gather- i | ing to a close. {f